I've taken a fondness to Guinness these past months. Didn't care much for it in the past. I had mostly enjoyed porters, imperial stouts and belgian ales (favs include Rogue Mocha Porter, Rasputin Imperial Stout, and Duvel) however I've started to prefer lighter beers. Guinness is a nice balance between the two. Sort of an every day beer.

Haven't been following this thread, but I was in Germany a couple of weeks ago so thought I should chime in. I sampled many fine German beers, but I would have to say my favorite style over there was Dunkelweissen. They aren't that common over here, but my local distributor did have one variety in stock, so I picked up a case. It's good, but not as good as what I had over there. Either because:

A. Not as fresh.B. Drinking it at home is not the same as drinking it in a Beergarten in Germany.C. The one I got just isn't a good one compared to others of the style.

I'd have to guess the answer is probably "B" from that list....nothing tastes as good as when you are on holidays!

Recently added to my list of favorite beers of all time would be this little gem from Unibroue:Trois Pistoles

Another beaut from them, pretty thick and portish, but no so strong that a person can't drink a 1/2 dozen in a sitting (as i've done twice now - just to prove the first time wasn't a fluke ). Think it would fit in nicely along side a number of Belgian Abbaye dark beers.

Scott, I've been a big fan of Trois Pistoles for quite a while. I think there are two things that set it apart from other readily available black beers. First, a very subtle use of hops. They're *there* to be certain, but only in harmonious amounts. Second, it's really a pretty light-bodied beer for something with that much flavor. You'd probably also really like the New Belgium 1554 and the Okocim Palone.

I had several glasses of a delicious local IPA from Harmon Brewing this weekend. Grassy and resiny. I also had the distinct pleasure of tasting Rogue 10,000 Brew (big commemorative IPA; it tasted like more than 60 IBU, but I think that's because the finishing hops were huge).

I'd be remiss if I didn't also document my opportunity to taste a 2005 Epic Ale from Portland's Roots Organic Brewing. One of only 100 bottles produced, it had aged very well. Big and alcoholic, with just a tinge of sherry. Very complex hop profile. I think it's probably better than the Unibroue Edition beers. Or maybe I'm just saying that to irritate Ken. Clearly, one of the ten best beers I've had.

A few of us had them two weeks ago.I'm a big fan of lighter, sweet style, smooth, cream ales that have lots of character flavor (many Belgium blondes, honey browns, and even stouts could fall under this category), but the vanilla and toffee flavours in this beer were marvelous and yet extremely potent.I've found a new favourite for the year i think.The history of this rather new brew is interesting.

_________________________"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."

There are so many brewers in America making "oak aged" and/or "vanilla" stouts that it has become - to the brewers, if not the consumers - almost a cliche. From the dates, Innis and Gunn were almost certainly on the forefront, but it seems others have successfully co opted the concept.

Quote: There are so many brewers in America making "oak aged" and/or "vanilla" stouts that it has become - to the brewers, if not the consumers - almost a cliche.

This is definitely not the case in Canada. Microbreweries are struggling to survive with many getting bought out by larger corporations (e.g. Sleemans, Lakeport, Creemore and now Brick up for sale with the Fort Garry brewery teetering). Most Canadians drink a particular brand and tend to stick with that. As much as Canadians love their beer, i dare say that many just do not want to afford the more expensive imports or for that matter, more expensive local brews like in the case of Sleemans which typically sold for a small premium over the big name brands.

I had a great conversation with a friend of mine who used to brew with Molson decades back. I learned some interesting things about how the recipes for a Molson Canadian in BC is not the same as the recipe for the Ontario version. One marketed in BC may taste more like a Kokannee while the one in Ontario may taste more like a Labatt Blue. Part of the reason for variation also comes down to the water chemistry but it is something that people may not realize except in...yep, a blind taste test.

_________________________"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."

Not the case (no pun intended) for me. There is only one beer style my wife likes, Lambic. I picked up a case of it for her over the weekend. Most expensive case I've ever bought. $110! At least it should last her for a long time. Comes out to just under $5 a bottle, which is still better than the 9 or so a bottle you pay to get it out.